Hello

I'm Paula Roth, a Learning Specialist, teacher, artist and wife. I live in Tillsonburg, Ontario where I enjoy the rural setting and slower pace of life. Gardening, illustrating and plein air painting are wonderful hobbies I enjoy (ruralhuesart.com). Below, I share more about my journey, my credentials, and what services and supports I offer.

My Story

My educational journey began as a student. Due to vision processing deficits and a unique learning profile, I often felt misunderstood and performed below my capabilities during my elementary and high school years.

In college, I providentially learned about a new degree which would give me specialized training in learning disabilities. In an instant I knew this would be my life's calling. Knowing that my learning challenges would help others who didn't fit the educational mold was motivating. I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts majoring in learning disabilities and minoring in art.

Fast forward 20 years and I've had the privilege of being a primary classroom teacher for four years and managing Special Education Departments for 16 years. Educating students with unique learning challenges continues to be a passion. I've become increasingly interested in providing families and schools with services that get to the root of learning needs.

Early identification and remediation of learning challenges is crucial. It is better because the brain is more adaptable at a young age. I'm often dismayed when families and schools take a 'wait-and-see' approach to a child's learning needs. Time alone will not address specific learning skills that need to be explicitly taught. The brain needs input to change!

It can be overwhelming for families to navigate learning challenges. Where do they start? Which professionals do they need to visit? As an Early Learning Consultant, I am able to offer a specific suggestions of how to support your child on their educational journey.

Education & Growth

Formal Education

1998-2003 - B.A. & B. Ed.

Concurrent bachelors degree and teaching degree from Aquinas College

Major in learning disabilities and a minor in art

1996-1997 – Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant Certification

Completed administrative and clinical tasks in a pediatricians office for 6 years

Certifications/Competencies

2024

SEARCH and TEACH

The National Institute for Learning Development offers training for educators in early intervention (nild.org)

Vantage Vision and Reading

Vantage Vision and Reading offers intervention for children that have vision processing challenge (vantagevisionreading.com)

Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training Levels 1 & 2

BRMT focuses on identifying and integrating retained reflexes (brmtcanada.com)

2020

Executive Functioning Certification with Dr. Laurie Faith

(activatedlearning.org)

2008 & 2014 Neuro Development Movement Program Levels 1 & 2

"This program improves development and quality of functioning because it addresses the organization of the Central Nervous System in a sequential way. It provides the healthy foundation for coordination and cognitive development.” Anita Harrison - Ikandu inc.

2009 Auditory Integration Therapy Training

AIT is a non-invasive, risk free scientific sound therapy designed to retain a disorganized auditory system and improve auditory discrimination and sound sensitivities.

Work Experience

2015-2023 Oxford Reformed Christian School – Mt. Elgin, Ontario

Special Education Teacher

2003-2015 Heritage Christian School – Jordan, Ontario

Classroom and Special Education Teacher

Conferences

2024 NILD Annual Conference - The Thinking Brain

2024 National SERT Conference - Many Parts One Body

Art Courses

2024 Plein Air Class – Oliver Arts Center, Frankfort Michigan

2023: Plein Air Class – Dundas Valley School of Art, Dundas Ontario

2022: Landscape Painting from Photos -Dundas Valley School of Art, Dundas Ontario

2022: Painting Still Life in Acrylic or Oil - Dundas Valley School of Art, Dundas Ontario

2021: Landscape Painting in Acrylics - Dundas Valley School of Art, Dundas Ontario

Plus many other classes in drawing, color theory, illustration and oil painting